How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. Here's the basic process:

The Photovoltaic Effect

When photons from sunlight hit a solar cell, they knock electrons loose from atoms in the semiconductor material (usually silicon). This creates an electrical current.

Each solar cell produces only about 0.5 volts, so cells are wired together into modules. A typical residential panel contains 60 or 72 cells and produces 300–400 watts under ideal conditions.

From Sunlight to Your Home

1. Solar panels on your roof absorb sunlight and generate DC (direct current) electricity
2. An inverter converts DC to AC (alternating current) — the type your home uses
3. The electricity powers your home, and any excess feeds back to the grid
4. Your electricity meter tracks what you produce vs. what you consume

What Affects Output?

Several factors determine how much electricity your panels actually produce:

• Irradiance — how much sunlight hits your location (southern Europe gets 40–60% more than northern Europe)
• Roof orientation — south-facing roofs (in the northern hemisphere) capture the most sun
• Tilt angle — panels tilted to match your latitude perform best year-round
• Shading — even partial shade on one panel can reduce output significantly
• Temperature — panels actually perform slightly better in cool weather

How Much Energy Can You Expect?

A typical residential solar system (5–10 kWp) produces 5,000–15,000 kWh per year, depending on your location, roof orientation, and local weather patterns.

In a sunny climate (Southern Europe, Australia, the US sunbelt), a well-positioned 6 kWp system typically produces 8,000–10,000 kWh per year — enough to cover most households' electricity needs. In cloudier climates (Northern Europe, Pacific Northwest), expect 5,000–7,000 kWh.

Use our free solar calculator to get an estimate for your specific roof.